Dear COA Family,
With the Singapore General Elections around the corner, what should our response as Christians be towards the government of civil society?
1. We are exhorted to submit to the laws that are enacted by the governing authority.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2
2. We are exhorted to pray for the well-being of those in authority.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
3. We are exhorted to advocate for justice and truth in society, standing up for the poor, marginalized, and voiceless.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
Yet these instructions were written in the context of the rulership of kings over the people.
What about the response of a Christian in a democracy where each individual has a choice of electing a candidate and every vote matters?
For Christians, voting then is to be viewed as a sacred responsibility where we steward our citizenship and live out our calling to Christ’s light to the world around us (Matthew 5:16). Here are some helpful tips to vote wisely:
1. Pray for God’s wisdom and clarity before you vote: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…” (James 1:5)
2. Look beyond reputation and examine values: Does the party or candidate reflect values that align with God’s heart – justice, humility, truth, compassion, righteousness? (Micah 6:8)
3. Vote with hope, not fear, as our is ultimately not in any candidate, party, or policy but in Christ alone: “Some trust in chariots… but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
As your pastor, I will never tell you which party or candidate to vote for but guide you to make decisions based on biblical principles. May the Lord lead and guide all of us to vote in this election for the sake of his love and goodwill for Singapore!
Revd Ian